t, those are OUR exact same washer and dryer and they totally RULE. We got a $100 energy rebate from Burbank, so you should look into that where you are.

You may still be baffled by your results, but you'll feel SO much better about your writing. Trust me.

Hee. I'm feeling a little better already, because I've fully realized just how many of the negative comments came out of their expectations for the plot and romance arc as described in my synopsis. And their expectations were so out of line with the story as it exists in my head that it made me look at my synopsis again and realize that it SUCKED. A lot. So I rewrote it, sent it to two critique partners who'd seen the previous version, and asked if they thought it was an improvement. Both immediately said, "WOW! Yes. Much, much better."

So, a learning experience, albeit an ego-bruising one. It's not that I'm a poor writer; I just don't quite have the knack of easily whipping out a synopsis yet, and that's a specialized, learnable skill.

So, a learning experience, albeit an ego-bruising one. It's not that I'm a poor writer; I just don't quite have the knack of easily whipping out a synopsis yet, and that's a specialized, learnable skill.

A valuable learning experience, too, I'd venture.

Have you thought about having someone familiar with the work, but not the synopsis, look it over (with the stuff that's still IP sketched out) and tell you what they think the synopsis is? I have no idea if that would help at all, but it might give outside the head perspective.

More Lily pics: [link]

The Shiva ones aren't as cute as the real deal, on account of how hard it is to get a good picture of a black cat against dark blue sheets. C'est la vie.

Have you thought about having someone familiar with the work, but not the synopsis, look it over (with the stuff that's still IP sketched out) and tell you what they think the synopsis is?

Hmm. Only problem with that is that those are my unspoiled beta readers/critique partners, and I like having those 2-3 people who don't know exactly where the story is going on board so I can see whether my foreshadowing intrigues without being too obscure or too anvilicious, and whether my shocking surprises deliver appropriate shock. But I've got a few extra potential readers lined up for when it's actually finished, and I might ask one of them how they'd handle a synopsis.

LOVE the Lily & Shiva pics.

Wake up, board! I'm bored!

Lily is just too sweet for words.

I'm up, Stephanie! You still around?

yep - still here.

How are you doing? What are you doing up so early?

I'm doing okay. I started having contractions around 3 am. So far, they are very short. I'm still in denial, but I am finally packing my bags.

Awww...I hope they're the braxton hicks or whatever they are called. I know how badly you want Joe to be here.

But, on the other hand, maybe BABY!